Theme T64 · Women & Gender (cross-paper)

Women's question in history: 19th-century reform & freedom struggle

3PYQs

3GS1

2013–20173 distinct years

Roadmap · step 53 of 171 · Stage 2: Building blocks

What UPSC asks

UPSC asks what issues and debates about women arose in 19th-century reform, and women's role in the freedom struggle, especially in the Gandhian phase, across age, gender and religion.

Prepare these

Reform issues: sati, widow remarriage, child marriage, purdah, education
Reformers: Rammohun Roy, Vidyasagar, Phule and Savitribai, Pandita Ramabai
Freedom struggle: Sarojini Naidu, Aruna Asaf Ali, Kasturba, Usha Mehta, Kalpana Dutt, Bhikaiji Cama
Gandhian phase: salt satyagraha, picketing, khadi — why women joined in large numbers

Answer writing

Name women and movements; link to present gender debates in conclusion

Directive words in these PYQs: Discuss (2).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Step 22: Socio-religious reform: Brahmo Samaj, Young Bengal, Phule Step 23: Gandhi: mass movements, constructive programme, ideas & contemporaries

Syllabus lines covered

GS1-L2 — Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
GS1-L3 — The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.

All 3 PYQs, newest first

GS12017GS1-HIS-03-M2017-S01
The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?
Report a typo
GS12016GS1-HIS-06-M2016-S01
Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.
Report a typo
GS12013GS1-HIS-06-M2013-S01
Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch-bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.
Report a typo